Knowledge, attitude and beliefs about malaria in a tribal area of Bastar district (Madhya Pradesh).

A sample survey of K.A.P. about malaria was carried out among sample of 359 inhabitants selected by random sampling in a tribal area of Baster district, which is a hyper-endemic area of the disease, predominantly by P.falciparum infection and understanding about the problem of malaria was poor, only about 50% (ranging from 30% to 60%) of the respondents were aware about cause and signs and symptoms of malaria, breeding & resting habit of mosquito, usefulness of insecticidal spray and ill effect of mud plastering following residual spraying. Proper health education and community involvement are, therefore, necessary to achieve control of malaria in the locality.